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David Walter Deruntz
1929 - 2025
BORN
1929
DIED
2025
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David Deruntz Obituary
David Walter Deruntz
Apr 29, 1929 - Nov 6, 2025
David Walter Deruntz, 96, of Cedar Lake, passed away peacefully November 6th, surrounded by his loved ones. David entered this world on April 29, 1929 in Harvey, IL, the fourth of six children born to the late Anna and Max Deruntz. David was a cherished brother with a knack for always keeping his family on their toes.
David was preceded in death by siblings, Eleanor (Francis) Lynch, Adeleine (William) Eagan, Donald (Genevieve) Deruntz, Veronica (Frank) Olbrot, and Martha (Larry) Dudek; his first wife, Millie (Manifold) Deruntz; second wife, Alma (Tokarski) Deruntz; son, David Deruntz; and his infant son, Jeffrey Deruntz.
David was blessed to be married and share his life with two wonderful women. He and his first wife, Millie, spent 42 years of marriage together, having four children, Kim (Steve) Shelby, David (Denise) Deruntz, Scott (Brenda) Deruntz and Jeffrey Deruntz. David was married to his second wife, Alma, for 22 years and was stepfather to Cliff (Lordes) Tokarski, Debra (Mike) Golden, Kevin (Beverly Kelley) Tokarski, Jeff (Valerie) Tokarski, and the late Kris Tokarski.
David was the absolute joy of his grandchildren. He left a legacy of selflessness, love, humor, and profound strength for Christy Deruntz, Renee (George) Rubino, Lindsay (Scott) Evorik, Lauren (Nick) Alo, Ashley Deruntz, Chris Deruntz, and Josh (Tara) Gallo. His great-grandchildren, Jackson Evorik, Mila Evorik, Evan Keiser-Evorik, Audrey Alo, Kylee Gallo, Destiny Gallo, Gianna Gallo, and Dakota Deruntz – also delighted in their "PaPa Dave", enjoying his silly nature all the while benefiting from how he modeled enjoying life through laughter.
David grew up on a small farm in Harvey, IL, where he was a hard-working son who helped tend to the family farm. David later built his own home for his family and helped build his siblings homes, all on his parents' farm property that he loved deeply and dearly. Life as a young family living as neighbors with his siblings and their families was full of laughter and amusement, with many gatherings and cherished memories made.
Pfc. David served his country proudly under the First Calvary Division as a forward observer during the Korean conflict, where he was awarded two Bronze Stars with Valor for action beyond the call of duty. After returning home, David spent 42 years of his life as an electrician, ultimately owning his own company. David was a member of the American Legion and served a term as Commander of the American Legion Harvey Post 155.
David loved spending time outdoors, especially pheasant hunting with his son, David, family, or friends. He also liked fishing – though he often joked his poor catches were because he was always "on the wrong side of the boat." David thoroughly enjoyed making memories with his immediate and extended family, taking many trips to family cottages in Michigan and Minnesota, along with numerous other fun-filled travels. Time spent with family in any way was something he highly valued.
Above all, David was so much more than a son, soldier, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. David was a kind-hearted and humble man, unwavering in his love for and support of his family, with a strong faith. He had an incredible ability to truly and earnestly listen, and he taught those around him the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. David will always be remembered for his immense courage, love for and dedication to family, country, and God. David always kept a pure heart, placing God first and above all else. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy is everywhere and will forever stay with everyone who knew him. Soar high, David.
Visitation - Friday, November 14, 2025 from 3 to 7 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel – Cedar Lake 9931 Lincoln Plaza Way (one-half block south of 133rd Ave. across from the library at Lincoln Plaza Way). Funeral Services - Saturday, November 15, 2025 DIRECTLY at Holy Name Catholic Church, 11000 W. 133rd Ave., where a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am with Rev. Patrick Gawrylewski officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in David's Name woundedwarriorproject.org. For more information 219-374-9300 or www.elmwoodchapel.com
Apr 29, 1929 - Nov 6, 2025
David Walter Deruntz, 96, of Cedar Lake, passed away peacefully November 6th, surrounded by his loved ones. David entered this world on April 29, 1929 in Harvey, IL, the fourth of six children born to the late Anna and Max Deruntz. David was a cherished brother with a knack for always keeping his family on their toes.
David was preceded in death by siblings, Eleanor (Francis) Lynch, Adeleine (William) Eagan, Donald (Genevieve) Deruntz, Veronica (Frank) Olbrot, and Martha (Larry) Dudek; his first wife, Millie (Manifold) Deruntz; second wife, Alma (Tokarski) Deruntz; son, David Deruntz; and his infant son, Jeffrey Deruntz.
David was blessed to be married and share his life with two wonderful women. He and his first wife, Millie, spent 42 years of marriage together, having four children, Kim (Steve) Shelby, David (Denise) Deruntz, Scott (Brenda) Deruntz and Jeffrey Deruntz. David was married to his second wife, Alma, for 22 years and was stepfather to Cliff (Lordes) Tokarski, Debra (Mike) Golden, Kevin (Beverly Kelley) Tokarski, Jeff (Valerie) Tokarski, and the late Kris Tokarski.
David was the absolute joy of his grandchildren. He left a legacy of selflessness, love, humor, and profound strength for Christy Deruntz, Renee (George) Rubino, Lindsay (Scott) Evorik, Lauren (Nick) Alo, Ashley Deruntz, Chris Deruntz, and Josh (Tara) Gallo. His great-grandchildren, Jackson Evorik, Mila Evorik, Evan Keiser-Evorik, Audrey Alo, Kylee Gallo, Destiny Gallo, Gianna Gallo, and Dakota Deruntz – also delighted in their "PaPa Dave", enjoying his silly nature all the while benefiting from how he modeled enjoying life through laughter.
David grew up on a small farm in Harvey, IL, where he was a hard-working son who helped tend to the family farm. David later built his own home for his family and helped build his siblings homes, all on his parents' farm property that he loved deeply and dearly. Life as a young family living as neighbors with his siblings and their families was full of laughter and amusement, with many gatherings and cherished memories made.
Pfc. David served his country proudly under the First Calvary Division as a forward observer during the Korean conflict, where he was awarded two Bronze Stars with Valor for action beyond the call of duty. After returning home, David spent 42 years of his life as an electrician, ultimately owning his own company. David was a member of the American Legion and served a term as Commander of the American Legion Harvey Post 155.
David loved spending time outdoors, especially pheasant hunting with his son, David, family, or friends. He also liked fishing – though he often joked his poor catches were because he was always "on the wrong side of the boat." David thoroughly enjoyed making memories with his immediate and extended family, taking many trips to family cottages in Michigan and Minnesota, along with numerous other fun-filled travels. Time spent with family in any way was something he highly valued.
Above all, David was so much more than a son, soldier, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. David was a kind-hearted and humble man, unwavering in his love for and support of his family, with a strong faith. He had an incredible ability to truly and earnestly listen, and he taught those around him the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. David will always be remembered for his immense courage, love for and dedication to family, country, and God. David always kept a pure heart, placing God first and above all else. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy is everywhere and will forever stay with everyone who knew him. Soar high, David.
Visitation - Friday, November 14, 2025 from 3 to 7 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel – Cedar Lake 9931 Lincoln Plaza Way (one-half block south of 133rd Ave. across from the library at Lincoln Plaza Way). Funeral Services - Saturday, November 15, 2025 DIRECTLY at Holy Name Catholic Church, 11000 W. 133rd Ave., where a Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am with Rev. Patrick Gawrylewski officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in David's Name woundedwarriorproject.org. For more information 219-374-9300 or www.elmwoodchapel.com
Published by The Times on Nov. 12, 2025.
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Elmwood Chapel & Crematory - Cedar Lake9931 Lincoln Plaza Way, Cedar Lake, IN 46303
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